DE102024118081B3 - Control element with an operating lever pivotable about a pivot axis for controlling a functional unit of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operating element (1) for controlling a functional unit of a motor vehicle, wherein the operating element has an operating lever pivotable about a pivot axis and having a driver end (4). The operating element (1) has a counterforce generating device (5) mechanically interacting with the driver end (4), wherein the counterforce generating device (5) has a first magnet arrangement (10) and a second magnet arrangement (20).

Description

The present invention relates to an operating element for controlling a functional unit of a motor vehicle, wherein the operating element has an operating lever pivotable about a pivot axis.

Many functional units of a motor vehicle can be controlled by control elements that can be operated manually by the driver. Such control elements often have electronics, for example in the form of a circuit board, which converts mechanical operation of the control element into an electrical control signal for the functional unit, for example via Hall sensors. An example of a functional unit is a transmission, for example an automatic transmission, in which the transmission is shifted using what is known as shift-by-wire technology. In these transmissions, the so-called driver input, i.e. the automatic transmission position desired by the driver, is no longer transmitted via a mechanical coupling of a selector lever with a transmission-side position adjuster, but rather by an electronic driver input detection system that detects the driver input, for example, via electronics integrated into a mechanical control element. Mechanical actuation of the control element for the purpose of changing an operating position of the transmission is converted by the control element's electronics into electrical signals and transmitted to a control unit. The control unit then controls an actuator or position adjuster on the automatic transmission, which is then used to set the desired transmission position (D, R, P, N, etc.). Similar control elements can also be provided for transmissionless vehicles, such as purely electric vehicles, for example, to switch between forward and reverse. Similar control elements can also be provided for manual transmissions.

In order to provide the operator of the control element with haptic feedback when actuating the control element, locking gates are often provided in control elements known from the prior art with an operating lever that can be pivoted about a pivot axis. The operating lever has a spring-loaded plunger that interacts mechanically with the locking gate when pivoted. The locking gate has haptically distinctive points, for example in the form of steps, which require increased force to overcome. These steps generally correspond to pivoted positions of the control lever that trigger functions or control signals, such as an upward gear change in a manual transmission or a change from the neutral position of an automatic transmission (N) to a drive position (D).

Clear and sharp haptic feedback to the operator of the control element, i.e. a force-displacement curve that is as discontinuous as possible during operation, has proven advantageous so that the operator of the control element can judge without doubt whether a corresponding control of the functional unit, for example a gear change request, has been triggered. Mechanical systems with detent gates have the disadvantage that, due to their design, they also exhibit friction in the travel area between the steps, and a mechanical step cannot be made as sharp as desired, as this could result in considerable mechanical stress on the control lever with the risk of material failure. Mechanical systems with detent gates also have the disadvantage that wear occurs over time, so that steps or discontinuities become worn and thus become less pronounced over time. Mechanical systems also have the disadvantage that the force-displacement curve often fluctuates with temperature.

Control elements with locking mechanisms that use permanent magnets are also known from the state of the art. One such control element is, for example, DE 10 2015 015 511 A1 known. The DE 10 2008 050 866 A1 and the US 5 864 272 A reveal further state of the art.

The DE 10 2012 101 698 A1 describes a vehicle control device for manually controlling vehicle devices, comprising a housing, at least one rotary knob mounted on a first end of a rotary axis, the second end of which is connected to at least one first pivotable component, and at least one first pivot axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rotary axis and about which the first pivotable component is pivotable within the housing, wherein at least one first magnetic element is arranged on the first pivotable component, the magnetic force of which interacts at least partially with at least one second magnetic element, which is fixedly connected to the housing, during a pivoting movement of the first pivotable component.

The DE 10 2014 002 030 A1 describes a haptic-generating device for an electrical switch with a housing in which at least two ferromagnetic elements are arranged, of which at least one forms a permanent magnet, wherein in each case one to a ferro a first end face belonging to a magnetic element and a second end face belonging to a further ferromagnetic element are arranged opposite one another in a basic position and are positioned relative to one another by a magnetic force acting as an attraction between the ferromagnetic element and the further ferromagnetic element.

The object of the present invention is to create an operating element with permanent magnets that has a particularly sharp and wear-free feel while requiring little installation space.

This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments.

The control element is a control element for controlling a functional unit of a motor vehicle. The functional unit can be, for example, a transmission, in particular an automatic transmission, of a motor vehicle. The operating element has an operating lever that can be pivoted about a pivot axis, wherein the operating lever has an actuating end that can be actuated by an operator and a driver end, wherein the operating element has a counterforce generating device that mechanically interacts with the driver end, wherein the counterforce generating device has a first magnet arrangement, wherein the first magnet arrangement has a first fixed permanent magnet and a first movable permanent magnet, wherein the driver end is designed to deflect the first movable permanent magnet relative to the first fixed permanent magnet against a magnetic attractive force between the first movable permanent magnet and the first fixed permanent magnet when the operating lever is pivoted from an initial position of the operating lever in one pivot direction, wherein the counterforce generating device has a second magnet arrangement, wherein the second magnet arrangement has a second fixed permanent magnet and a second movable permanent magnet, wherein the driver end is designed to deflect the second movable permanent magnet relative to the second fixed permanent magnet against a magnetic attractive force between the first movable permanent magnet and the first fixed permanent magnet when the operating lever is pivoted from the initial position of the operating lever in one pivot direction. Attractive force between the second movable permanent magnet and the second fixed permanent magnet, wherein the driver end interacts with the first movable permanent magnet and the second movable permanent magnet in such a way that when the operating lever is pivoted from the starting position into one pivoting direction, the driver end deflects the first movable permanent magnet from a first pivoting angle and deflects the second movable permanent magnet from a second pivoting angle, wherein the second pivoting angle is greater in magnitude than the first pivoting angle with respect to the starting position.

By providing the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement, an operating characteristic, i.e., a haptic feedback, can be advantageously generated that has two clearly distinguishable levels. The first level corresponds to the first pivot angle, and the second level corresponds to the second pivot angle. To overcome the first pivot angle, the first movable permanent magnet must be moved away from the first stationary permanent magnet, which requires increased force. The same applies to overcoming the second pivot angle.

It is entirely conceivable that the first pivot angle corresponds to a pivot position of the operating lever that corresponds to the initial position. In such a case, to deflect the pivot lever from the initial position, it is necessary to apply increased force to move the first movable permanent magnet away from the first stationary permanent magnet. Subsequently, the pivot lever can be pivoted with less force until the second pivot angle is reached, which again requires increased force to overcome.

With the design according to the invention, it is not necessary to provide a mechanical locking mechanism. Rather, a mechanical locking mechanism or similar mechanically acting structures can be dispensed with entirely, since the locking mechanism is essentially simulated by the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement. Thus, the mechanically actuated control element operates essentially wear-free with regard to the haptic feedback to the operator. This allows a permanently unsteady force-displacement curve, i.e., a force-displacement curve with at least two stages, to be achieved for pivoting the control lever.

Preferably, the magnet arrangements are designed to generate a strongly non-linear counterforce when pivoting.

Preferably, the magnet arrangements are designed in such a way that when they are deflected, the magnetic attraction is “broken down”, which can simulate a particularly sharp step.

It is considered particularly advantageous if the counterforce generating device has a bearing housing with a first bearing section, wherein the first stationary permanent magnet is mounted in a stationary manner in the first bearing section, wherein the first movable permanent magnet is mounted in the first bearing section so as to be linearly displaceable along a first displacement direction, wherein the movable first permanent magnet is fastened to a first plunger, wherein the driver end acts on the first plunger when the operating lever is pivoted from the starting position. Even if mechanical wear should occur when the first movable permanent magnet is mounted in the first bearing section, the wear will be much less than is the case with a locking gate due to its function. Furthermore, such wear will have no effect, or only a minor effect, on the force-displacement curve when operating the operating lever, since the force-displacement curve is essentially determined by the magnetic interaction between the first movable permanent magnet and the first stationary permanent magnet and not by the mechanical interaction with the bearing section. Thus, the force for overcoming the first stage is essentially determined by the magnetic attraction force between the first movable permanent magnet and the first fixed permanent magnet and not by mechanical friction of the first movable permanent magnet in the first bearing section when moving the first permanent magnet.

It is considered particularly advantageous if the plunger passes through the first bearing section and/or the first fixed permanent magnet in the direction of the driver end.

Preferably, the first movable permanent magnet is supported in its undeflected position in the displacement direction at least indirectly on the first bearing section and/or the first fixed permanent magnet.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bearing housing has a second bearing section, wherein the second stationary permanent magnet is mounted in a fixed position in the second bearing section, wherein the second movable permanent magnet is mounted in the second bearing section so as to be linearly displaceable along a second displacement direction, wherein the movable second permanent magnet is fastened to a second plunger, wherein the driver end acts on the second plunger when the operating lever is pivoted from the starting position. The above statements regarding the first bearing section apply accordingly to the second bearing section.

It is considered particularly advantageous if the operating lever is mounted in the bearing housing so that it can pivot about the pivot axis.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first plunger protrudes relative to the second plunger in the direction of the driver element. Such a design makes it easy to ensure that the first plunger is actuated upstream of the second plunger when the operating lever is pivoted, thus actuating the second plunger at the second pivot angle, which is greater in magnitude than the first pivot angle.

It is considered particularly advantageous if the first tappet and/or the second tappet and/or the bearing housing consist of a non-ferromagnetic material, in particular of a paramagnetic or diamagnetic material, for example of a plastic.

Preferably, the operating element is a monostable operating element, wherein the monostable position of the operating element corresponds to the initial position of the operating lever.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first plunger rests against the driver end in the initial position and/or the second plunger is spaced apart from the driver end in the initial position. Such a design allows a monostable operating element to be achieved in a particularly simple manner.

It is considered particularly advantageous if the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement are arranged on the same side of the driver end. Such a configuration has proven particularly advantageous for achieving a particularly compact design of the control element.

It is considered particularly advantageous if the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement are arranged next to one another in a transverse direction of the operating element defined by the pivot axis.

It is considered particularly advantageous if a shielding element is arranged between the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement, wherein the shielding element comprises a ferromagnetic material to reduce magnetic interaction between the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement. The ferromagnetic material can be, for example, a material containing iron. The shielding element reduces or even completely shields interaction between the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement. This has a beneficial effect on the haptics when actuating the control element, and thus when pivoting. If the interaction between the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement is too strong, there is a risk of undesired attraction or repulsion between the movable permanent magnet of the respective arrangement and the permanent magnets of the other magnet arrangement. This can lead to a falsification or smearing of the desired force-displacement curve and thus the desired operating haptics. In addition, excessive interaction between the two magnet arrangements could lead to increased friction between at least one of the movable permanent magnets, even to the point of jamming in the bearing section. This, in turn, could lead to poorer haptics or even to a restriction of the function of the control element, for example, in the event of jamming. Magnetic interactions between the magnet arrangements could also be reduced by increasing the spatial distance between the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement. However, such an increase in distance would negatively impact the installation space required for the control element.

It is considered particularly advantageous if the control element is designed as a monostable control element, such that the control lever, after being deflected from the initial position, is returned to the initial position by the counterforce generating device. As already explained, a monostable behavior of the control element can be achieved by having the first pivot angle correspond to a pivot position of the control lever in the initial position.

It is considered particularly advantageous if the functional unit is a transmission, in particular an automatic transmission.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the operating element is an operating element for an at least partially electronically shifted transmission.

In particular, it is provided that the operating lever can also be pivoted from the initial position in a further pivoting direction opposite to the one pivoting direction, for example in order to control the functional unit or another functional unit. It is considered advantageous if the operating element has a further counterforce generating device, wherein the further counterforce generating device has a further first magnet arrangement, wherein the further first magnet arrangement has a further first fixed permanent magnet and a further first movable permanent magnet, wherein the driver end is designed to deflect the further first movable permanent magnet relative to the further first fixed permanent magnet against a magnetic attractive force between the further first movable permanent magnet and the further first fixed permanent magnet when the operating lever is pivoted from the starting position of the operating lever into the further pivoting direction, wherein the further counterforce generating device has a further second magnet arrangement, wherein the further second magnet arrangement has a further second fixed permanent magnet and a further second movable permanent magnet, wherein the driver end is designed to deflect the further second movable permanent magnet relative to the further second fixed permanent magnet against a magnetic attractive force between the further second movable permanent magnet and the further second fixed permanent magnet when the operating lever is pivoted from the starting position of the operating lever into the further pivoting direction. to deflect, wherein the driver end interacts with the further first movable permanent magnet and the further second movable permanent magnet in such a way that when the operating lever is pivoted from the starting position into the further pivoting direction, the driver end deflects the further first movable permanent magnet from a further first pivoting angle and deflects the further second movable permanent magnet from a further second pivoting angle, wherein the further second pivoting angle is greater in magnitude than the further first pivoting angle with respect to the starting position.

The above statements regarding one counterforce generating device apply accordingly to the other counterforce generating device. In particular, the statements regarding the first magnet arrangement apply accordingly to the second The statements regarding the first magnet arrangement and the statements regarding the second magnet arrangement apply accordingly to the further second magnet arrangement.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has an interior, wherein the operating element is arranged in the interior.

• 1 ein Teilbereich eines Innenraums eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einem Bedienelement gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
• 2 das Bedienelement gemäß 1 in einer isolierten Ansicht vor einer Montage in dem Innenraum des Kraftfahrzeugs in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von schräg oben,
• 3 das Bedienelement gemäß 2 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von schräg unten,
• 4 das Bedienelement gemäß 2 in einer Schnittansicht senkrecht zu einer Schwenkachse eines Bedienhebels des Bedienelements mit dem Bedienhebel in einer Ausgangsstellung,
• 5 das Bedienelement in einer Schnittansicht wie in 4 mit dem Bedienhebel in einer Anschlagsstellung,
• 6 das Bedienelement in einer Schnittansicht wie in 4 mit dem Bedienhebel in einer weiteren Anschlagsstellung,
• 7 das Bedienelement in einer weiteren Schnittansicht mit dem Bedienhebel in der Ausgangsstellung,
• 8 Komponenten des Bedienelements in einer schematischen Darstellung mit dem Bedienhebel in der Ausgangsstellung,
• 9 ein Teilbereich eines Innenraums eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einem Bedienelement gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform.

The following figures illustrate the invention in more detail using exemplary embodiments, without being limited to them. They show:

• 1 a partial area of an interior of a motor vehicle with an operating element according to a first embodiment in a perspective view,
• 2 the control element according to 1 in an isolated view before installation in the interior of the motor vehicle in a perspective view obliquely from above,
• 3 the control element according to 2 in a perspective view from below,
• 4 the control element according to 2 in a sectional view perpendicular to a pivot axis of an operating lever of the operating element with the operating lever in an initial position,
• 5 the control element in a sectional view as in 4 with the operating lever in a stop position,
• 6 the control element in a sectional view as in 4 with the operating lever in a further stop position,
• 7 the control element in a further sectional view with the control lever in the starting position,
• 8 Components of the control element in a schematic representation with the control lever in the starting position,
• 9 a partial area of an interior of a motor vehicle with an operating element according to a second embodiment.

The 1 shows an interior of a motor vehicle with a control element 1 for controlling a functional unit of the motor vehicle. In this case, the control element 1 is a control element 1 for controlling an automatic transmission of the motor vehicle.

The control element 1 has a pivotable control lever 2, which can be pivoted about a pivot axis S1. In this case, the pivot axis S1 runs parallel or approximately parallel to a transverse direction of the vehicle. By actuating the control element 1, namely by pivoting the control lever 2 about the pivot axis, the operating positions of the automatic transmission can be changed. By pivoting the control lever 2, it is possible to switch between the operating positions R (reverse), N (neutral), and D (drive). A button 6 for activating a park position (P) is arranged next to the control lever 2.

In this case, the control element 1 is equipped with electronics that converts a mechanical pivoting of the control lever 2 of the control element 1 into an electrical control signal for the automatic transmission. The automatic transmission in this case is an automatic transmission with so-called shift-by-wire technology.

The operating lever 2 is designed as a monostable operating lever 2, so that it is only stable in one position, namely its initial position. Another position is only maintained as long as an operator exerts a force on the operating lever 2. As soon as no further force is exerted by the operator, the operating lever 2 returns to its initial position. 1-4, 7 and 8 show the operating lever 2 in the starting position. The operating lever 2 can be pivoted from the starting position in a pivoting direction towards a stop position around the pivot axis S1. The one stop position is in the 5 The operating lever 2 can be pivoted from the initial position into a further pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction in the direction of a further stop position about the pivot axis S1. The further stop position is in the 6 shown.

The operating lever 2 has an actuating end 3 which can be actuated by the operator, for example the driver of the motor vehicle, and a driver end 4 which is opposite the actuating end 3 with respect to the pivot axis S1.

The operating element 1 has a counterforce generating device 5 that mechanically interacts with the driver end 4. The mechanical interaction of the operating lever 3 with the counterforce generating device 5 results in a two-stage force-displacement curve when pivoting in one pivoting direction, as shown below using the schematic representation of the 8 is explained in more detail.

The counterforce generating device 5 has a first magnet arrangement 10, wherein the first magnet arrangement 10 has a first fixed permanent magnet 11 and a first movable permanent magnet 12. The driver end 4 is designed to Pivoting the operating lever 2 from the monostable starting position of the operating lever 2 in one pivoting direction, thus when pivoting the driver end 4 in the direction of one stop position, to deflect the first movable permanent magnet 12 relative to the first fixed permanent magnet 11 against a magnetic force of attraction between the first movable permanent magnet 12 and the first fixed permanent magnet 11. The counterforce generating device 5 further comprises a second magnet arrangement 20, wherein the second magnet arrangement 20 has a substantially identical structure to the first magnet arrangement 10. The second magnet arrangement 20 accordingly comprises a second fixed permanent magnet 21 and a second movable permanent magnet 22, wherein the driver end 4 is configured to deflect the second movable permanent magnet 22 relative to the second fixed permanent magnet 21 counter to a magnetic force of attraction between the second movable permanent magnet 22 and the second fixed permanent magnet 21 when the operating lever 2 is pivoted from the starting position of the operating lever 2 in one pivoting direction, thus when the driver end 4 is pivoted in the direction of one stop position.

The counterforce generating device 5 has a bearing housing 60. The bearing housing 60 has a bearing pocket 63 for the button 6. The bearing housing 60 further has a first bearing section 61 and a second bearing section 62. The first stationary permanent magnet 11 is mounted in a stationary manner in the first bearing section 61, whereas the first movable permanent magnet 12 is mounted in the first bearing section 61 so as to be linearly displaceable along a first displacement direction oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis S1. A first plunger 71 is attached to the movable first permanent magnet 12. The first plunger 71 passes through the first bearing section 61 and the first stationary permanent magnet 11 and, with its end facing away from the first movable permanent magnet 12, rests against the driver end 4 of the operating lever 2 in the starting position. The bearing housing 60 has a second bearing section 62, wherein the second stationary permanent magnet 21 is mounted in a stationary manner in the second bearing section 62 and wherein the second movable permanent magnet 22 is mounted in the second bearing section 62 so as to be linearly displaceable along a second displacement direction. The second displacement direction runs parallel to the first displacement direction. A second plunger 72 is fastened to the second movable permanent magnet 22. The second plunger 72 penetrates the second bearing section 62 and the second stationary permanent magnet 21 in the direction of the driver end 4 of the operating lever 2. In the initial position, which is shown in the 8 As shown schematically, the second plunger 72 is spaced apart from the driver end 4. This design ensures that when the operating lever 2 is pivoted in one pivoting direction, the driver end 4 initially acts on the first plunger 71 and thereby initially deflects the first movable permanent magnet 12 relative to the first fixed permanent magnet 11 against the force of attraction between the first movable permanent magnet 12 and the first fixed permanent magnet 11. From a second pivoting angle which is greater in magnitude than the starting position, the driver end 4 contacts the second plunger 72 and thereby acts on the second plunger 72. As a result, from the second pivot angle onwards, the second movable permanent magnet 22 is deflected relative to the second fixed permanent magnet 21, counter to the magnetic force of attraction between the second movable permanent magnet 22 and the second fixed permanent magnet 21. This design results in a force-displacement curve for the operator of the control element 1 when pivoting the control lever 2 from the starting position into one pivot direction, with a first stage when the first movable permanent magnet 11 is deflected, thus at the first pivot angle, and a second stage when the second movable permanent magnet 22 is deflected, thus at the second pivot angle. If the control lever 2 is pivoted beyond the second pivot angle, the driver end 4 strikes the bearing housing 60 in one stop angle position, which is greater in magnitude than the second pivot position relative to the starting position.

To reduce magnetic interaction between the permanent magnets 11, 12 of the first magnet arrangement 10 and the permanent magnets 21, 22 of the second magnet arrangement 20, a shielding element 80 made of a ferromagnetic material is arranged in the area between the first magnet arrangement 10 and the second magnet arrangement 20. The shielding element 80 can, for example, be a metal plate made of a ferrous material. In this case, the shielding element 80 is fixedly mounted in the bearing housing 60.

In order to achieve a stepped force-path curve for the further pivoting direction opposite to the one pivoting direction, as for the one pivoting direction, the operating element 1 has a further counterforce generating device 5', which is essentially mirror-symmetrical to the one counterforce generating device 5 by a plane of symmetry running through the operating lever 2 is formed. The further counterforce generating device 5' has a further first magnet arrangement 10', wherein the further first magnet arrangement 10' has a further first fixed permanent magnet 11' and a further first movable permanent magnet 12', wherein the driver end 4 is configured to deflect the further first movable permanent magnet 12' relative to the further first fixed permanent magnet 11' against a magnetic force of attraction between the further first movable permanent magnet 12' and the further first fixed permanent magnet 11' when the operating lever 2 is pivoted from the starting position of the operating lever 2 into the further pivoting direction opposite to the one pivoting direction. Corresponding to the one counterforce generating device 5, the further counterforce generating device 5' has a further second magnet arrangement 20', wherein the further second magnet arrangement 20' has a further second fixed permanent magnet 21' and a further second movable permanent magnet 22', wherein the driver end 4 is designed to deflect the further second movable permanent magnet 22' relative to the further second fixed permanent magnet 21' against a magnetic force of attraction between the further second movable permanent magnet 22' and the further second fixed permanent magnet 21' when the operating lever 2 is pivoted from the initial position of the operating lever 2 in the further pivoting direction. When the operating lever 2 is pivoted from the starting position into the further pivoting direction, the driver end 4 interacts with the further first movable permanent magnet 12' and the further second movable permanent magnet 22' such that the driver end 4 deflects the further first movable permanent magnet 12' from a further first pivoting angle, which in this case corresponds to the starting position, and deflects the further second movable permanent magnet 22' from a further second pivoting angle, wherein the further second pivoting angle is greater in magnitude than the further first pivoting angle relative to the starting position. The bearing housing 60 has a first further bearing section 61' and a further second bearing section 62'. The further first stationary permanent magnet 11' is mounted in a stationary manner in the further first bearing section 61', whereas the further first movable permanent magnet 12' is mounted in the further first bearing section 61' so as to be linearly displaceable along a further first displacement direction formed perpendicular to the pivot axis S1. A further first plunger 71' is attached to the movable first permanent magnet 12. In the starting position, the further first plunger 71' rests against the driver end 4 of the operating lever 2 with its end facing away from the further first movable permanent magnet 12'. The further second fixed permanent magnet 21' is mounted in a stationary manner in the further second bearing section 62', and the further second movable permanent magnet 22' is mounted in the further second bearing section 62' so as to be linearly displaceable along a further second displacement direction. The further second displacement direction runs parallel to the further first displacement direction and parallel to the first displacement direction. A further second plunger 72' is attached to the further second movable permanent magnet 22'. In the starting position, the further second plunger 72' is spaced from the driver end 4. This ensures that when the operating lever 2 is pivoted in the further pivoting direction, the driver end 4 initially acts on the further first plunger 71' and thereby initially deflects the further first movable permanent magnet 12' relative to the further first fixed permanent magnet 11' against the attractive force between the further first movable permanent magnet 12' and the further first fixed permanent magnet 11'. From a further second pivoting angle which is greater in magnitude than the starting position, the driver end 4' contacts the further second plunger 72' and thereby acts on the second plunger 72'. As a result, from the further second pivoting angle, the further second movable permanent magnet 22' is deflected relative to the further second fixed permanent magnet 21' against the magnetic attractive force between the further second movable permanent magnet 22' and the further second fixed permanent magnet 21'. This design results in a force-displacement curve for the operator of the control element 1 when pivoting the operating lever 2 from the starting position into the further pivoting direction, with a further first stage when the further first movable permanent magnet 11' is deflected, thus at the further first pivot angle, and a further second stage when the further second movable permanent magnet 22 is deflected, thus at the further second pivot angle. If the pivot angle is pivoted beyond the further second pivot angle, the driver end 4 strikes the bearing housing 60 in a further stop angle position, which is greater in magnitude than the further second pivot position relative to the starting position. A further shielding element 80' is arranged in the area between the further first magnet arrangement 10' and the further second magnet arrangement 20'.

The 9 shows the control element 1 according to a further embodiment.

List of reference symbols

1

Control element

2

Operating lever

3

End of operation

4

Driving end

5

Counterforce generating device

6

button

10

first magnet arrangement

11

first fixed permanent magnet

12

first movable permanent magnet

20

second magnet arrangement

21

second fixed permanent magnet

22

second movable permanent magnet

60

bearing housing

61

first camp section

62

second camp section

63

Storage bag

71

first plunger

72

second plunger

80

Shielding element

5'

additional counterforce generating device

10'

further first magnet arrangement

11'

another first fixed permanent magnet

12'

another first movable permanent magnet

20'

further second magnet arrangement

21'

another first fixed permanent magnet

22'

further second movable permanent magnet

61'

further first camp section

62'

further second camp section

71'

further first plunger

72'

another second plunger

80'

additional shielding element

Claims (10)

Operating element (1) for controlling a functional unit of a motor vehicle, wherein the operating element has an operating lever (2) pivotable about a pivot axis (S1), wherein the operating lever (2) has an actuating end (3) operable by an operator and a driver end (4), wherein the operating element (1) has a counterforce generating device (5) mechanically interacting with the driver end (4), wherein the counterforce generating device (5) has a first magnet arrangement (10), wherein the first magnet arrangement (10) has a first fixed permanent magnet (11) and a first movable permanent magnet (12), wherein the driver end (4) is configured to pivot the first movable permanent magnet (12) relative to the first fixed permanent magnet (11) against a magnetic attraction force between the first movable permanent magnet (12) and the first fixed permanent magnet when the operating lever (2) is pivoted from an initial position of the operating lever (2) in a pivoting direction. Permanent magnet (11), wherein the counterforce generating device (5) has a second magnet arrangement (20), wherein the second magnet arrangement (20) has a second fixed permanent magnet (21) and a second movable permanent magnet (22), wherein the driver end (4) is configured, upon pivoting of the operating lever (2) from the initial position of the operating lever (2) in one pivoting direction, to deflect the second movable permanent magnet (22) relative to the second fixed permanent magnet (21) against a magnetic attraction force between the second movable permanent magnet (22) and the second fixed permanent magnet (21), wherein the driver end (4) interacts with the first movable permanent magnet (12) and the second movable permanent magnet (22) in such a way that upon pivoting of the operating lever (2) from the initial position in one pivoting direction, the driver end (4) deflects the first movable permanent magnet (12) from a first pivoting angle and from a second Swivel angle deflects the second movable permanent magnet (22), wherein the second swivel angle is greater in magnitude than the first swivel angle with respect to the initial position. Control element (1) after Claim 1 , wherein the counterforce generating device (5) comprises a bearing housing (60) with a first bearing section (61), wherein the first fixed permanent magnet (11) is fixed in the first bearing section (61), wherein the first movable permanent magnet (12) is mounted in the first bearing section (61) so as to be linearly displaceable along a first displacement direction, wherein the movable first permanent magnet (11) is fastened to a first plunger (71), wherein the driver end (4) acts on the first plunger (71) when the operating lever (2) is pivoted from the starting position. Control element (1) after Claim 2 , wherein the bearing housing (60) has a second bearing section (62), wherein the second fixed permanent magnet (21) is mounted in a stationary manner in the second bearing section (62), wherein the second movable permanent magnet (22) is mounted in the second bearing section (62) so as to be linearly displaceable along a second displacement direction, wherein the movable second permanent magnet (22) is fastened to a second plunger (72), wherein the driver end (4) acts on the second plunger (71) when the operating lever (2) is pivoted from the starting position. Control element (1) after Claim 3 , wherein the first plunger (71) protrudes relative to the second plunger (72) in the direction of the driver element (4). Control element (1) according to one of the Claims 2 until 4 , wherein the first plunger (71) rests against the driving end (4) in the starting position and/or the second plunger (72) is spaced apart from the driving end (4) in the starting position. Control element (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the first magnet arrangement (10) and the second magnet arrangement (20) are arranged on the same side of the driver end (4). Control element (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , wherein a shielding element (80) is arranged between the first magnet arrangement (10) and the second magnet arrangement (20), wherein the shielding element (80) comprises a ferromagnetic material for reducing a magnetic interaction between the first magnet arrangement (10) and the second magnet arrangement (20). Control element (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , wherein the operating element (1) is designed as a monostable operating element (1), such that the operating lever (2) is transferred back to the starting position after being deflected from the starting position by the counterforce generating device (5). Control element (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8 , wherein the functional unit is a transmission, in particular an automatic transmission. Control element (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , wherein the operating element (1) has a further counterforce generating device (5'), wherein the further counterforce generating device (5') has a further first magnet arrangement (10'), wherein the further first magnet arrangement (10') has a further first fixed permanent magnet (11') and a further first movable permanent magnet (12'), wherein the driver end (4) is designed to deflect the further first movable permanent magnet (12') relative to the further first fixed permanent magnet (11') against a magnetic attraction force between the further first movable permanent magnet (12') and the further first fixed permanent magnet (11') when the operating lever (2) is pivoted from the initial position of the operating lever (2) in a further pivoting direction which is opposite to the one pivoting direction, wherein the further counterforce generating device (5') has a further second magnet arrangement (20'), wherein the further second magnet arrangement (20') has a further second fixed permanent magnet (21') and a further second movable permanent magnet (22'), wherein the driver end (4) is configured, when the operating lever (2) is pivoted from the starting position of the operating lever (2) into the further pivoting direction, to deflect the further second movable permanent magnet (22') relative to the further second fixed permanent magnet (21') against a magnetic force of attraction between the further second movable permanent magnet (22') and the further second fixed permanent magnet (21'), wherein the driver end (4) interacts with the further first movable permanent magnet (12') and the further second movable permanent magnet (22') in such a way that when the operating lever (2) is pivoted from the starting position into the further pivoting direction, the driver end (4) deflects the further first movable permanent magnet (12') from a further first pivoting angle and deflects the further second movable permanent magnet (22') from a further second pivoting angle, wherein the further second pivoting angle relative to the starting position is greater in magnitude than the further first swivel angle.

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